May 20, 2013

Video link: http://on.rgj.com/149nggx

MUD: FIM Motocross World Championship

WRC 3: FIA World Rally Championship

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JABRA REVO WIRELESS: LOOK MA, NO WIRES

The wise philosopher Christicus Rockitus once said that “men are as faithful as their options.” In the case of its Revo Wireless headphones, however, Jabra definitely hopes to achieve the exact opposite. That is, by jampacking a ton of options in the device, users will be convinced to restrain their wandering eyes and stay away from other headphone competitors.

The Revo certainly gets off on the right foot with build quality that’s pretty solid and a design that doesn’t feel cheap. Audio quality is also good for on-ear headphones but sounds best when used with an equalizer. That’s when you get dynamic sound with generous amounts of bass for low-end lovers. What really sets the Revo Wireless apart, though, is the sheer number of features it provides. The headphone can be paired via Bluetooth or NFC for 10-12 hours of wireless listening via its built-in rechargeable battery. For a more direct connection, the Revo comes with a fabric cord that’s less prone to tangling and includes a mini remote. The headphone also folds for easier storage, making it ideal for plane flights and travel in general.

Although it comes with a USB cord for charging, it doesn’t come with a wall plug. It’s also an on-ear headphone so ear fatigue can occur during extended use. Meanwhile, the bass might be too strong for some and the price tag a tad high. The carrying case is also flimsy.

Still, good, powerful sound coupled with lots of features and portability make these headphones a solid option overall.

In my dreams, I’m “Jichael Mackson” — a dirt bike devil with a panache and swagger that chicks dig as much as the long ball. In reality, however, I’m the dude whose motorcycle prowess started and ended with a moped in high school so Jichael Mackson is now forced to live vicariously through games like “MUD: FIM Motocross World Championship.”

The game starts out promisingly enough by including official competitions as well as official teams that feature real-life riders such as Tony Cairoli, for example. This can be accessed via “Official Mode,” which serves up MX1, MX2 or MXON racing options. No, Jichael Mackson is not included but I’m sure he’ll live … in my dreams. Speaking of fantasy, there’s also a World Tour mode with make believe characters whom you nurture and hone into elite riders.

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The gameplay itself has a more arcadey feel that features simplified controls and boosts via energy drinks. That’s probably not going to fly well with purists but should be fine with the Mario Kart crowd. Tracks experience real-time degradation so knowing your environment is key lest you get bogged down and lose speed. You can also maintain momentum by scrubbing.

The handling, while easy to control, is a bit soft and floaty, which makes me feel detached from the game. There’s also rubber banding with the AI and trick battles can be wonky. MUD isn’t horrible by any means but it isn’t exactly memorable either. Demo it first to be safe.

Ah, yes, 1995, the most productive year in my vehicular bucket list. For starters, I earned my driver’s license. As an intern for the Virginian Pilot newspaper in Norfolk, I got to ride on a Stratotanker and witness a slew of F-14s and F-15s refuel firsthand. It was also the year I fell in love with virtual off-road racing thanks to Sega Rally and its Lancia Delta HF Integrale. Fast forward to the present and I found myself playing “WRC 3: FIA World Rally Championship.” Midway into a spin where I would ultimately disgrace the mighty Sebastian Loeb by crashing him into a barrier on an icy mountain highway, I couldn’t help but smile. WRC 3 is no arcadey rally racer. This one’s technical and unforgiving, which is just how I like my rally racing games. Racing feedback feels great and reflects terrain conditions nicely. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll start hearing the familiar clickety-clack of your controller buttons as you deftly alternate between the gas and brake while navigating those corners.

Modes include “Road to Glory,” which starts you out as promising driver who eventually earns his stripes to challenge top drivers in Ultimate Battles. “WRC Experience,” meanwhile, serves up single stage, single rally and championship races with real-world drivers. Courses tend to be longer than the more arcadey Dirt 3. Be warned, though, that the difficulty can be a turnoff for some. If you like point-to-point rally racing and a more sim-like experience, then WRC 3 fits the bill.